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BitterStatus9 t1_je3auvr wrote

OP mentions "my tax dollars going to something that I want and I care about."

On one hand, I get this. I don't want my tax dollars to go to something I don't want and don't care about. It's my money, so it should benefit me.

But that's not primarily what tax dollars are for. They're not for me, they're for the public good, and it's "better" (by some public definition) for tax dollars to fund things that the public needs and will use. I don't think a soccer stadium in Pawtucket does as much good as infrastructure or investment in community benefits that directly help citizens generally.

You could have both – say, a stadium AND adequate law enforcement, good roads, public transportation, etc. But the latter group of things benefits everyone, and the stadium is of direct benefit only to the users (and a few vendors who sell stuff there).

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101955Bennu OP t1_je3bns6 wrote

I get what you’re saying, but I think having the team (and the stadium and larger project) will be good for Pawtucket, hopefully it will help revitalize the area, which badly needs it. I also think having the team is gonna be good for families, for kids. One underrated thing people don’t really talk about is the soccer academy that comes with the team, which will give kids from all income brackets across RI an opportunity to develop and potentially become professional players. I also don’t think it’s really an “either/or” thing. Other possibilities weren’t really being seriously considered, and this is a major economic development for Pawtucket that I think will help people. Ultimately I just love the whole thing, and I want to share that love and excitement with people

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BitterStatus9 t1_je3mj6s wrote

I hope it succeeds, really. You make good points about the positive impact. I just hope it’s not trickle down economics.

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101955Bennu OP t1_je3n0eb wrote

Thanks man, I appreciate your input on it, and I hope it’s not, too. It’s not often this state gets something people can get excited about, you know? When I post about RIFC in r/soccer, they ask if the team will play in Quahog, you get me? I really want this to be a good thing for us and for the city and for the state

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